Oregon
Oregon Softball 2023 Season Review
2022 was something of a bumpy year for Oregon softball. The Ducks endured their Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad April, and in spite of that they did pick their game up – so to speak – at the end of the regular season, with a sweep of Oregon State and a series win over Stanford. Heading into the NCAA Tournament, the Ducks won both games against Wichita State but lost both games to #4 Arkansas, who advanced into the Super Regional (the Razorbacks hosted the Super Regional, but were bounced by Texas, who made it to the CWS and were runner-up to champion Oklahoma). Regardless, in spite of that disappointing April, they did make it to the post-season.
Oregon ended 2022 with a 33-19 (10-14 Pac-12) record. At home they were 9-7, away they were 14-8, and were 10-4 at neutral sites.
What followed was the usual matter of players entering the transfer portal, but what was glaring was that half their pitchers jumped ship. (Brooke Yanez did not play last season due to injury, but she was eligible to return in 2023 and instead elected to bolt for UCLA).
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The 2023 season ended on a different note, especially emotionally, for Ducks softball. This season, they nearly completely turned around 2022’s April with a 13-game win streak, and even though they were swept by Utah at the end of the season, it felt different. Then, they lost in the first game of the Pac-12 Tournament to put a damper on the feel-good April. Going to Fayetteville and defeating Arkansas to get to the Super Regional kind of felt different – never mind that they lost to #4 Arkansas in 2022 but defeated #13 Arkansas in 2023. Sure, they lost to #6 OK State in Stillwater, but they were better, right?
Let’s take a look at some general statistics.
Oregon’s record in 2023 was 38-17 (14-10, Pac12). At home they were 8-7, away they were 14-5, and at neutral sites their record was 16-5. (A double-header at home against Portland State was cancelled in mid-April. The Ducks likely would have been 40-17, 10-7 at home, but it doesn’t count if you don’t play the games). The only meaningful difference in the overall season record is that the Ducks won more neutral games sites, because they won more of their preseason games than in 2022. Otherwise, the overall win-loss record doesn’t show much when 2022 and 2023 are compared. The major difference is that the Ducks ultimately made it to the Super Regional this season, but that’s not reflected in the win/loss statistics.
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The 2023 Ducks performed better in most offensive categories than their 2022 counterparts. This was lead in batting average – softball hit .296 in ‘22 and .306 in ‘23. 2023 saw eight batters hit over .300 as opposed to four in ‘22. The 2023 offense was also superior in hits, runs, RBIs, and on-base percent. 2022 performed better in slugging percentage, doubles, and home runs. But over the course of 52 or 55 games, these differences are not statistically significant. For example, ‘23 drove in 318 runs as opposed to 309 in ‘22; however, the 2023 team played three more games, so the difference isn’t terribly significant.
Fielding percentage for 2022 was .977 and 2023 was .968. The difference in the two is largely due to ‘23 having committed 48 errors to 30 for ‘22. There will be ups and downs from season to season, and again this doesn’t strike me as significant.
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So, what about pitching? Ah, it turns out that we have something to work with in examining the stats from the circle.
Pitching was a perceived issue in 2022. When all was said and done, it certainly seemed like Oregon had an ace in Stevie Hansen, and no one else. The pitching room needed significant help and it turns out the when coach Melyssa Lombardi nabbed senior Morgan Scott from the transfer portal, the Duck got the help they needed. Lombardi hit a home run, so to speak.
But first, what about the common denominators from the previous season: Stevie Hansen, Raegan Breedlove, and Allison Benning? We see significant improvement from all three.
Last season, Hansen pitched to a 13-8 record, with an ERA of 3.27 over 124.1 innings. In ‘23, she improved to a 20-7 record, with an ERA of 2.63 over 146.1 innings.
In 2022, Breedlove won two games, with an ERA of 6.27 over 25.2 innings. This season, her record was 4-3, and had an ERA of 2.81 on 67.1 innings.
It’s easy to forget about Allison Benning. Her ERA last year was 8.40 in 5 innings, but this year it was 2.33 over 15 innings.
All three were better pitchers in 2023.
Now add in Morgan Scott. Scotty saw more playing time after April than she did earlier in the season. She finished with a 13-7 record, with a 2.83 ERA in 128.2 innings. She had a tendency to not walk batters, walking 22 to Hansen’s 34.
Last season, the team combined ERA was 3.82. This season, it was 2.79.
Based on all of the above, the numbers would appear to point to Oregon progressing in a positive direction. For Lombardi version 6 to improve on version 5, she’ll need to 1) Be able to replace the seniors that are leaving and have made a huge impact on all versions of Lombardi softball, and 2) Assuming Scotty comes back for a fifth year of eligibility, the Ducks need to add one more pitcher that is at least on Hansen and Scotty’s level. Accomplish that, and we could be seeing Oregon in the CWS in 2024.
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In Mel Kiper’s new Big Board ahead of the national championship, Oregon Ducks defensive lineman Derrick Harmon is listed as the No. 19 best available prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. He was the only Duck named in the the top 25 of Kiper’s player rankings.
On ESPN’s NFL Draft Big Board, Harmon is listed at No. 32. Josh Conerly Jr. are placed at No. 20 and Jordan Burch at No. 42.
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As a 6-5, 310-pound defensive tackle, Burch started his collegiate career with the Michigan State Spartans. In three seasons in East Lansing from 2021-23, he put together 69 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
In his breakout season under coach Dan Lanning that gained the attention of NFL front offices, Burch finished with 49 total tackles, 34 pressures, 11 run stops, five sacks, two pass deflections, and one forced fumble. He went on to be named to the All-Big Ten Third Team.
“What jumps out to me most is his consistent disruptiveness on a game-to-game basis. He combines quickness with power to cause chaos for opponents. And his scheme-versatility only adds to his value; Harmon can dominate at either defensive tackle or end.”
– ESPN’s NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper
Burch can impact both the run and pass game at the next level. He created a ton of havoc for opposing backfields in the Big Ten Conference, and NFL franchises are intrigued by his overall college experience in multiple defensive schemes.
Burch took advantage of the national stage with the Oregon college football program and become one of top defensive tackle prospects in this year’s draft class. With his built body structure and long arms, Burch has the makings of an All-Pro level talent if he can build upon his collection of pass rush moves to compliment his excellent array of run rush moves.
“One of my favorite players in the draft, Harmon can do a lot of things effectively up front, including getting pressure on all four downs. Harmon isn’t just a gap-shooting player; he can hold up in the run game, even against double-teams, and effectively perform a lot of roles… Getting someone who can contribute against the run and provide help for Trey Hendrickson is a nice piece to help build a unit.”
– Nate Tice via Yahoo Sports
The NFL Draft Combine will run from Thursday, Feb. 27 through Sunday, Mar. 2 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. The NFL Draft will take place on Thursday, Apr. 24 through Saturday Apr. 26 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
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Controversial world leaders invited to Trump’s inauguration
Donald Trump’s inauguration guest list is breaking tradition, as he has invited a number of controversial world leaders, signaling his continued alignment with right-wing figures.
unbranded – Newsworthy
Inauguration Day, when President-elect Donald Trump will officially return to the White House, will take place Monday.
Trump will be sworn in at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda after the inauguration was moved indoors due to forecast cold weather in Washington, D.C. The last time an inauguration was moved indoors was 40 years ago for President Ronald Reagan in 1985.
Here is a list of Oregon politicians who told the Statesman Journal they will be attending or missing the inauguration as of Friday.
Is U.S. Labor Secretary nominee Lori Chavez-DeRemer attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Lori Chavez-DeRemer, Trump’s pick for U.S. secretary of labor and a former Oregon Republican Congresswoman, did not respond to the Statesman Journal’s inquiry on Friday asking if she would attend the inauguration.
Is Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, is not attending the inauguration.
Is U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, U.S. Sen. Ron Wyden, an Oregon Democrat, is not attending the inauguration. A representative from Wyden’s office said the senator was hosting planned townhalls in Oregon over the weekend and would be visiting the Providence nurses on strike in Portland before returning to Washington, D.C., Monday for evening votes.
Is U.S. Sen Jeff Merkley attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Andrea Salinas, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Val Hoyle, an Oregon Democrat, is planning to attend the inauguration, although recent venue changes may affect her decision.
Is U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
No, U.S. Rep. Suzanne Bonamici, an Oregon Democrat, will not attend the inauguration. A represent from her office said Bonamici will be gathering with immigration advocates, attending an MLK Day breakfast with community leaders and volunteering with an organization that serves homeless youth.
“I will not be attending the inauguration in DC this year. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a day of service and I will be spending it in Oregon with community members and organizations who are working to create a better future,” Bonamici said.
Is U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Cliff Bentz, an Oregon Republican, is planning to attend the inauguration, although recent venue changes may affect his decision.
Is U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
Yes, U.S. Rep. Janelle Bynum, an Oregon Democrat, will attend the inauguration.
Is U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter attending President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration?
U.S. Rep. Maxine Dexter, an Oregon Democrat, was unsure if should would be attending the inauguration when contacted by the Statesman Journal on Friday.
Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval can be reached at GSandoval@gannett.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The first Powerball jackpot of 2025 was sold in Oregon and is worth $328.5 million, according to lottery officials.
The winner purchased the winning ticket in Beaverton on Thursday, Jan. 17, the Oregon Lottery said. The retail location will not be revealed until a winner has come forward.
The winning numbers for the Saturday drawing were: 14, 31, 35, 64 and 69 and Powerball 23.
The winner has a year to claim their prize, Oregon Lottery spokesperson Melanie Mesaros said. After the winning ticket is presented, “it will take time before a winner can be identified due to security and payment processes.”
Oregon lottery winners, with few exceptions, cannot remain anonymous, Mesaros said.
The winner will have a choice between an annuitized prize of $328.5 million or a lump-sum payment of $146.4 million, according to lottery officials, which are both options before taxes.
Last year, the largest Powerball prize won in Oregon — a $1.3 billion jackpot — was split between a Portland man, his wife, and friend.
Before Saturday, the most recent Powerball jackpot was sold in December in New York and was worth $256 million.
Powerball is a multi-state jackpot operated by 44 states, plus the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Fernando Cervantes Jr., a news reporter for USA TODAY, contributed to this story.
Cherrill Crosby is the executive editor of the Statesman Journal and The Register-Guard. Reach her at crosbyc@gannett.com
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